Type:
Educational Exhibit
Keywords:
Abdomen, Gastrointestinal tract, Emergency, CT, Contrast agent-intravenous, Dilatation, Inflammation, Ischaemia / Infarction
Authors:
J.-D. Chen; Taipei/TW
DOI:
10.1594/ecr2013/C-1824
Conclusion
Wall thickening of short length,
asymmetric irregular thickness with abrupt shouldering,
and solid homogeneous or heterogeneous contrast enhancing pattern suggests intestinal neoplasm.
Wall thickening of long length,
concentric smooth thickness with long transition,
and target pattern of contrast enhancement favor non-neoplastic conditions.
Absence of mural contrast enhancement signifies bowel ischemia.
High-attenuated wall thickening on precontrast image indicates intramural hemorrhage.
Perienteric fat stranding is most prominent with severe inflammation,
ischemia and invasive malignancy.
Bloody ascites frequently relates to intramural hemorrhage or ischemia.
Analysis of the CT patterns of bowel wall thickening and perienteric change in correlation with the clinical settings facilitates correct diagnosis and subsequent appropriate management.